have known him that is from the beginning I write unto you young men because ye have overcome the wicked one I write unto you little children because ye have known the Father V. 14. I have written unto you fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you young men because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first-principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat V. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe V. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil nor in this life perfect in any a 1 Joh. 1. 8 -10 And if we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a lyar and his word is not in us but growing up to perfection b 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God Phil. 3. 12 13 14. Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus V. 13. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before V. 14. I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Q. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often foiled with temptations and fall into many sins c Rom. 7. 18-23 For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not V. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members Mark 14 66 to the end And as Peter was beneath in the Palace there cometh one of the maids of the High Priest c. Gal. 2. 11 12. But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed V. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them who were of the circumcision are hindered in all their spiritual services d Heb. 12. 1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God e Isai 64. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and we all do fade as a leaf and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away Exod. 28. 38. And it shall be upon Aarons forhead that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts and it shall be alwayes upon his forhead that they may be accepted before the Lord. Q. May not true believers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True believers by reason of the unchangeable love of God f Jer. 31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance g 2 Tim. 2. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity Heb. 13. 20 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be glory c. 2 Sam. 23. 5. Although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow their inseparable union with Christ h 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. Who shall confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. his continual intercession for them i Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Luke 22. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren and the spirit and seed of God abiding in them k 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1. Joh. 2. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of Grace l Jer. 32. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me John 10. 28. I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any pluck them out of my hand but are kept by the power of God through Faith unto salvation m 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the Estate
hearing Neh. 8. 1 2 13. v. 1. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water-gate and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had commanded to Israel v. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding upon the first day of the seventh moneth v. 3. and he read therein v. 13. And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people the priests and the Levites unto Ezra the sâ—r the even to understand the words of the law 2. That the Ministers of the Gospel have as ample a charge and commission to dispense the Word as well as other Ordinances as the Priests and Levites had under the law proved Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Mat. 28. 34. Wherefore behold I send unto you Prophets and wise men and scribes and some of them ye shall kill and crucifie and some of them shall ye scourge in your Synagogues and persecute them from City to City Where our Saviour intituleth the Officers of the New Testament whom he will send forth by the same names of the teachers of the Old Which Propositions prove that therefore the duty being of a moral nature it followeth by just consequence that the publick reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Pastors Office To feed the flock by preaching of the Word according to which he is to teach convince reprove exhort and comfort 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wise vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. v. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in righteousness v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers To Catechise which is a plain laying down the Principles of the Oracles of God Or of the Doctrine of Christ and is a part of preaching Heb. 5. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat To dispense other Divine Misteries 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. v. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the misteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful To administer the Sacraments Mat. 28. 19 20. v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Mar. 16. 15 16. v. 15. And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature v. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. v. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread v. 24. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me v. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me Compared with 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ To bless the people from God Numb 6. 23. 24 25 26. v. 23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons saying On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel saying unto them v. 24. The Lord bless thee and keep thee v. 25. The Lord make his face to shire upon thee v. 26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace Compared with Rev. 1. 4 5. v. 4. John to the seven Churches which are in Asia grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne v. 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the Kings of the earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Where the same blessings and persons from whom they come are expresly mentioned Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Here under the names of the Priests and Levites to be continued under the Gospel are meant Evangelical Pastors who therefore are by office to bless the people Deut. 10. 8. At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the Covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister unto him and to bless in his name unto this day 2 Cor. 13 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Eph. 1. 2. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ To take care of the poor Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Act. 4. 34 35 36 37. v. 34. Neither was there any among you that lacked for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prises of the things that were sold v. 35. And laid them down at the Apostles feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need v. 36. And Joses who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas which is being interpreted the son of conselation a Levite and of the country of Ciprus v. 37. Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles feet Act. 6 2 3 4. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look you out among you seven men of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and
Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Rom. 6. 23. The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mat. 25. 41 -46 Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal Jude v. 7. Even as Sodom and Gommortha and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternall fire Q What are the punishments of sin in this world A. The punishments of sin in this world are either inward as blindness of mind e Ephes 4. 18. Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindnesse of their heart a reprobate sense f Rom. 1. 28. Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind and to do those things which are not convenient strong delusions g 2 Thess 2. 11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie hardness of heart h Rom. 2. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God horrour of conscience i Isai 33. 14. The sinners in Zion are afraid fearfulness hath surprized the hypocrites Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord my punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have betrayed innocent blood and they said What is that to us see thou to that and vile affections k Rom. 1. 26. For this cause God gave them up to vile affections for even their women did change their naturall use into that which is against nature or outward as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes l Gen. 3. 17. And unto Adam he said Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee saying Thou shalt not eat of it Cursed is the ground for thy sake in forrow shalt thou eat of it all the dayes of thy life and all other evils that befall us in our bodies names estates relations and imployments m Deut. 28. 15. to the end But it shall come to passe if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his Commandments and his Statutes which I have commanded thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed shalt thou be in the Field Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body and of thy land c together with Death it self n Rom. 6. 21-23 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed for the end of those things is death V. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come A. The punishments of sin in the world to come are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God and most grievous torments in Soul and Body without intermission in Hell-fire for ever o 2 Thess 1. 9. Who shal be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power Mark 9. 44-46-48 to go into Hell where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Luke 16. 24. And he cryed and said Father Abraham have mercy upon me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame Q. Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery A. God will not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery p 1 Thess 5. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ into which they fell by the breach of the first Covenant commonly called the Covenant of works q Gal. 3. 10 12. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the law to do them V. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them but of his meer love and mercy delivereth his elect out of it and bringeth them into an estate of salvation by the second Covenant commonly called the Covenant of Grace r Tit. 3. 4 5 6 7. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared V. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the holy Ghost V. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour V. 7. That being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternall life Gal. 3. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law Rom. 3. 20 21 22. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin V. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the Law and by the Prophets V. 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them hat believe for there is no difference Q. With whom was the Covenant of Grace made A. The Covenant of Grace was made with Christ as the second Adam and in him with all the elect as his seed Å¿ Gal. 3. 16. Now to Abrahaem and to his seed were the promises made he saith not to seeds as of many but as of one and to thy seed which is Christ Rom. 5. 15 to the end Of which before Isa 53. 10 11. Yet it pleased our Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand V. 11. He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Q.
Antioch spake unto the Grecians preaching the Lord Jesus V. 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. whereby out of the sight and sense not onely of the danger l Ezek. 18. 28-30-32 Because he considereth and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed he shall surely live he shall not die V. 30. Therefore I will judge you O house of Israel every one according to his wayes saith the Lord God Repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so inâ—quity shall not be your ruine V. 32. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies saith the Lord God wherefore turn your selves and live ye Luke 15. 17 18. And when he came to himself he said How many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare and I perish with hunger I will arise and go to my father and say unto him father I have sinned against heaven and before thee Hos 2. 6 7. Therefore behold I will hedge up thy way with thorns and make a wall that she shall not find her paths V. 7. And she shall follow after her lovers but shall not overtake them and she shall seek them but shall not find them Then shall she say I will go and return to my first husband for then was it better with me then now but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins m Eze. 36. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil wayes and your doings which were not good and shall loath your selves in your ownsight for your iniquities and for your abominations Isai 30. 22. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven Images of silver and the ornaments of thy molten Images of gold thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth thou shalt say unto it get thee hence and upon the apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ to such as are penitent n Joel 2. 12 13. Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and weeping and mourning V. 13. And rent your heart and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness and repenteth him of the evil he so grieves for o Jer. 31. 18 19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoak Turn thou me and I shall be turned thou art the Lord my God V. 19. Surely after that I was turned I repented and after that I was instructed I smote upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth and hates his sins p 2 Cor. 7. 11. For behold this self same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you yea what cleering of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what revenge in all things ye have approved your selves to be cleer in this matter as that he turns from them all to God q Act. 26. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith that is in me Ezek. 14. 6. Therefore say unto the house of Israel Thus saith the Lord God Repent and turn your selves from your Idols and turn away your faces from all your abominations 1 King 8. 47 48. Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives and repent and make supplication to thee in the land of them that carried them captives saying We have sinned and done perversly we have committed wickedness V. 48. And so return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the wayes of new obedience r Psal 119. 6-59 -28 Then shall not I be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments V. 59. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart be merciful unto me according to thy word V. 28. My soul melteth for heaviness strengthen thou me according unto thy word Luke 1. 6. And they were both righteous before God walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless 2 King 23. 25. And like unto him was there no King before him that turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might according to all the Law of Moses neither after him arose there any like him Q. Wherein do Justification and Sanctification differ A. Although Sanctification be inseparably joyned with Justification Å¿ 1 Cor. 6. 11. And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 1. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption yet they differ in that God in Justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ t Rom. 4. 6-8 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works V. 8. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord will not impute sin in Sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace and enableth to the exercise thereof u Ezek. 36. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgements and do them in the former sin is pardoned * Rom. 3. 24 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God in the other it is subdued x Rom. 6. 6-14 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin V. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God and that perfectly in this life that they never fall into condemnation y Rom. 8. 3 334. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the righthand of God who also maketh intercession for us the other is neither equal in all z 1 Joh. 2. 12 13 14. I write unto you little children because your sins are forgiven you for his names sake V. 13. I write unto you Fathers because ye
possessed of z Eph. 2. 5 6. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus and as an earnest thereof enjoy the sense of Gods love a Rom. 5. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us Compared with 2 Cor. 1. 22. Who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts peace of conscience joy in the Holy Ghost and hope of glory b Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ V. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into the grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Rom. 14. 17. For the kingdome of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost as on the contrary the sense of Gods revenging wrath horror of conscience and a fearful expectation of judgement are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood And they said What is that to us see thou to it Heb. 10. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries Rom. 2. 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile Mark 9. 44. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Q. Shall all men die A. Death being threatned as the wages of sin d Rom. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternaal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. it is appointed unto all men once to die e Heb. 9. 27. And as it is appointed unto all men once to die but after death the judgement for that all have sinned f Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. Death being the wages of sin why are not the righteous delivered from death seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it g 1 Cor. 15. 26 -55 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death V. 55. O death where is thy sting c. Heb. 2. 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage so that although they die yet it is out of Gods love h Isa 57. 1 2. The righteous perisheth and no man layes it to heart and merciful men are taken away none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come V. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness 2 King 22. 20. Behold therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place to free them perfectly from sin and misery i Rev. 14. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them Eph. â— 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory which they then enter upon k Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death A. The communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death is in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness l Heb. 12. 23. To the general assembly and Church of the first-born which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all and to the Spirits of just men made perfect and received into the highest heavens m 2 Cor. 5. 1 -6-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens V. 6. Therefore we are alwayes confident knowing that while we are present in the body we are absent from the Lord V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Compared with Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive untill the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began And with Eph. 4. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things where they behold the face of God in light and glory n 1 Joh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then I shall know even as also I am known waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23. And not onely they but our selves also who have the first fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our body Psal 16. 9. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoyceth my flesh also shall rest in hope which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thess 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him and rest in their graves as in their beds q Esa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness till at the last day they be again united to their souls r whereas the souls
c Hos 5. 11. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgement because he willingly walked after the Commandment Mich. 6. 16. For the Statutes of Omri are kept and all the works of the house of Ahab and ye walk in their counsels that I should make thee a desolation and the inhabitants thereof an hissing therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people using d 1 King 11. 33. Because that they have forsaken me and worshipped Ashtaroth the goodess of the Sidonians Chemosh the God of the Moabites and Milcom the God of the children of Ammon and have not walked in my wayes to do that which is right in mine eyes and to keep my statutes and my judgements as did David his father and any wayes approving any religious worship not instituted by God himself e Deut. 12. 30 31 32. Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them after they be destroyed from before thee and that thou enquire not after their Gods saying how did these nations serve their gods even so will I do likewise V. 31. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods V. 32. Whatsoever I command you observe to do thou shalt not adde thereto nor diminish from it tolerating a false Religion f Deut. 13. from ver 6. to ver 12. If thy brother the son of thy mother or c. vide b Zech. 13. 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of hosts that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land and they shall no more be remembred and also I will cause the Prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land V. 3. And it shall come to pass that when any shall yet prophesie then his father and mother that begat him shall say to him Thou shalt not live for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord and his father and mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth Rev. 2. 2 -14 15-20 I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not hear them which are evil and thou hast tried them who say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars V. 14. But I have a few things against thee because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel and to eat things sacrificed to Idols and to commit fornication V. 5. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans which thing I hate V. 20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee the Church of Thyatira because thou sufferest that woman Jezabel who calleth her self a Prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to Idols Rev. 17. 12-16 17. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no Kingdom as yet but receive power as Kings one hour with the beast V. 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast these shall hate the whore and make her desolate and naked and eat her flesh and burn her with fire V. 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree and give their Kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled the making any representation of God of all or of any of the three Persons either inwardly in our mind or outwardly in any kind of Image or likeness of any creature whatsoever g Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire V. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image c. V. 19. And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou seest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Act. 17. 29. Forasmuch then as we are the off-spring of God we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold or silver or stone graven by art and mans device Rom. 1. 21 22 23-25 Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God nor were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned V. 22. Professing themselves wise they became fools V. 23. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible man and to birds and beasts and creeping things V. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen all worshipping of it h Dan. 3. 18. But if not be it known unto thee O King that we will not serve thy gods nor worship thy golden Image which thou hast set up Gal. 4. 8. Howbeit then when ye knew not God ye did service unto them which by nature are no Gods or God in it or by it i Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and made proclamation and said To morrow is a feast to the Lord. V. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt the making of any representation of feigned Deities k and all worship of them or service belonging to them l 1 King 18. 26-28 And they took the bullock and dressed it and called upon the name of Baal from morning to noon saying O Baal hear us but there was no voice nor any that answered and they leapt upon the Altar which was made V. 28. And they cried loud and cut themselves with knives c. Isai 65. 11. But ye are they that forsake the Lord that forget my holy mountain that prepare a table for the troop that furnish the drink-offering unto the number all superstitious devices m Act. 17. 22. Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill and said Ye men of Athens I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious Col. 2. 21 22 23. Touch not taste not handle not V. 22. Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men V. 23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in Will-worship and humility and neglecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh corrupting the worship of God n Mal. 1. 7 8-14 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine
of God to charms e Deut. 18. 10 11 12 13 14. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or daughter passe through the fire or that useth Divination or an observer of times or an Inchanter or a Witch V. 11. Or a Charmer or a Consulter with familiar spirits or a wizard or a Necromancer V. 12. For all these things are an abomination to the Lord and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee V. 13. Thou shalt be perfect before the Lord thy God V. 14. For these nations which thou shalt possesse bearkned unto observer of times and unto diviners but as for thee the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee to do so Act. 19. 13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews exorcists took upon them to call over them who had evil spirits the Name of the Lord Jesus saying We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul Preached or sinful lusts and practises f 2 Tim. 4. 3 4. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers having itching ears V. 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables Rom. 13. 13 14. Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness not in strife and envying V. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lust thereof 1 King 21. 9 10. And she wrote in the letters saying Proclaim a Fast and set Naboth on high among the people V. 10. And set two men sons of Belial to bear witness against him saying Thou didst blaspheme God and the King and then carry him out and stone him that he may die Jude v. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and denying the onely Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ the maligning g Act. 13. 45. But when the Jewes saw the multitudes they were filled with envy and spake against those things that were spoken by Paul contradicting and blaspheming 1 Joh. 3. 12. Not as Cain who was of that wicked one that slew his brother and wherefore slew he him because his own works were evil and his brothers righteous scorning h Psal 1. 1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly nor standeth in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful 2 Pet. 3. 3. Knowing this first that there shall come in the last dayes scoffers walking after their own lusts reviling i 1 Pet. 4. 4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excesse of riot speaking evil of you or any wayes opposing of Gods truth grace and wayes k Act. 13. 45 46-50 But when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with envy and spake against those things that were spoken by Paul contradicting and blaspheming V. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you but seeing ye put it from you and judge your selves unworthy of everlasting life loe we turn to the Gentiles V. 50. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women and the chief men of the City and raised persecution against Paul and Barnahas and expelled them out of their coasts Act. 4. 18. And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus Act. 19. 9. But when divers were hardned and believed not but spake evil of that way before the multitude he departed from them and separated the Disciples 1 Thes 2. 16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved to fill up their sins alway for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost Heb. 10. 29. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and done despight unto the Spirit of Grace making profession of Religion in hypocrisie or for sinister ends l 2 Tim. 3. 5. Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof from such turn away Mat. 23. 14. Wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men ye neither go in your selves nor suffer them that are entring to go in Mat. 6. 1 2 5 16. Take heed you do not your almes before men to be seen of them otherwise you have your reward of your Father which is in heaven V. 2. Therefore when thou dost thine almes do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men Verily I say unto you They have their reward V. 5. And when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the Synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men Verily I say c. V. 16. Moreover when ye fast be not as the Hypocrites of a sad countenance for they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to fast Verily I say unto you They have their râ—ward being ashamed of it m Mar. 8. 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him also shall the son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his father with the holy Angels or a shame to it by uncomfortable n Psal 73. 14 15. For all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every morning V. 15. If I say I will speak thus behold I should offend against the generation of thy children unwise o 1 Cor. 6. 5 6. I speak to your shame Is it so that there is not a wise man amongst you no not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren V. 6. But brother goes to law with brother and that before the unbelievers Eph. 5. 15 16 17. See then that you walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise V. 16. Redeeming the time because the dayes are evil V. 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is unfruitful p Isa 5. 4. What could have been done more to my Vineyard that I have not done in it wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes brought iâ— forâ—h wild grapes 2 Pet. 1. 8 9. For if these things be in you and abound they makâ— you that yâ— shall neither he barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot
sons of the stranger that joyn themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the Name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my Covenant V. 7. Even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine Altar for mine house shall be called c. and in the New Testament called the Lords day z Rev. 1. 10. I was in the spirit on the Lords day and heard behind me c. Q. How is the Sabbath or Lords day to be sanctified A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day a Exod. 20. 8 -10 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy V. 10. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God In it thou shall not do any work thou nor thy son c. not onely from such works as are at all times sinful but even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are on other dayes lawful b Exod. 16. 25 26 27 28. And Moses said Eat that to day for to day is a Sabbath unto the Lord to day ye shall not finde it in the field V. 26. Six dayes shall ye gather it but on the seventh day which is the Sabbath in it there shall be none V. 27. And it came to passe that there went out some of the people on the seventh day to gather and they found none V. 28. And the Lord said unto Moses How long refuse ye to keep my Commandments and my Laws Neh. 13. 15 16 17 18 19 -21 22. In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading Wine-presses on the Sabbath day and bringing in sheaves and lading â—sses as also wine grapes and figs and all manner of burdens which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals V. 16. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein which brought fish and all manner of wares and sold on the Sabbath day unto the children of Judah and in Jerusalem V. 17. Then contended I with the Nobles of Judah and said unto them What evil thing is this that ye do and profane the Sabbath day V. 18. Did not your fathers thus and did no God bring all this evil upon us and upon this City yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath V. 19. And it came to passe that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and some of my servants I set at the gates that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day V. 20. So the merchants and sellers of all sorts of ware were lodged without Jerusalem once or twice V. 21. Then testified I against them saying Why lodge ye about the wall If ye do so again I will lay hands on you From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath V. 22. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves and come and keep the gates to sanctifie the Sabbath Remember me O my God concerning this also c. Jer. 17. 21 22. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sobbath day neither bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem V. 22. Neither carry forth a burden out of your house on the Sabbath nor do ye any work but hallow ye the Sabbath day as I commanded your fathers and making it our delight to spend the whole time except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy c Mat. 12. from ver 1. to ver 13. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn and his Disciples were an hungred and began to plack the ears of corn and to eat But when the Pharisees saw it c. in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship d Isa 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbaâ—h a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Luk. 4. 16. And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul preached to them ready to depart on the morrow 1 Cor 16. 1 2. Now concerning the collection for the Saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye V. 2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Psal 92. Title A Psalm or song for the Sabbath day Isa 66. 23. And it shall come to passe that from one new Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the Lord. Lev. 23. 3. Six dayes shall work be done but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest an holy convocation ye shall do no work therein it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings and to that end we are to prepare our hearts and with such fore-sight diligence and moderation to dispose and seasonably to dispatch our worldly business that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day e Exod. 20. 8. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Luk. 23. 54 -56 And that day was the preparation and the Sabbath drew on V. 56 And they returned and prepared spices and ointments and rested the Sabbath day according to the Commandment Exod. 16. 22 -25 26 -29 And it came to passe on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread two Omers for one man and all the Rulers of the Congregation came and told Moses V. 25. And Moses said Eat that to day for to day is a Sabbath unto the Lord to day ye shall not find it in the field V. 26. Six dayes shall ye gather it but on the seventh day which is the Sabbath there shall be none V. 29. See for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two dayes abide you every man in his place let no man go out of his place on the seventh day Neh. 13. 19. And it came to passe that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath And some of my servants set I at the gates
that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge and because they are prone oft times to hinder them by imployments of their own f Exod. 20. 10. In it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates Josh 24. 15. but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Neh. 13. 15-17 In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading the wine-presses c. See above in b Jer. 17. 20 21 22. And say unto them Hear the word of the Lord ye Kings of Judah and all Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem that enter in by these gates V. 21. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day c. See above in b Exod. 23. 12. Six dayes shalt thou do thy work and on the seventh day thou shalt rest that thine oxe and thine asse may rest and the son of thine hand-maid and the stranger may be refreshed Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment are all omissions of the duties required g Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my law and profaned mine holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and clean they have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them all careless negligent and unprofitable performing of them and being weary of them h Act. 20. 7 -9 And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul Preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight V. 9. And there sate in a window a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long preaching he sunk down with sleep and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead Ezek. 33. 30 31 32. Also thou son of man the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses and speak one to another every one to his brother saying Come I pray you and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. V. 31. And they come unto thee as the people cometh and sit before thee as my people and hear my words but they will not do them for with their mouth they shew much love but their heart runneth after their covetousness V. 32. And lo thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument for they hear thy words but they do them not Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the new Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great falsifying the balances by deceit Mal. 1. 13. Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it and ye snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and the sick thus ye brought an offering Should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord all profaning the day by idleness and doing that which is in it self finful i Eze. 23. 38. Moreover this they have done to me They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths and by all needless works words and thoughts about our worldly imployments and recreations k Jer. 17. 24 -27 And it shall come to passe if ye diligently hearken unto me saith the Lord to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day but Hallow the Sabbath day to do no work therein V. 27. But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the Sabbath and not to bear a burden even entring in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem and shall not be quenched Isai 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shall honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six dayes of seven for our own affairs and reserving but one for himself in these words Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work l Exod. 20. 9. from Gods challenging a special propriety in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God m Exod. 20. 10. from the example of God who in six dayes made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day and from that blessing which God put upon that day not onely in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a meanes of blessing to us in our sanctifying it wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hollowed it n Exod. 20. 11. Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment o Exo. 20. 8. partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p Exo. 16. 23. And he said unto them This is that which the Lord hath said To morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord bake that which ye will bake to day and seeth that ye will seeth and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept till morning Luk. 23. 54 -56 And that day was the Preparation and the sabbath drew on V. 56. And they returned and prepared spices and ointments and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment Compared with Mar. 15. 42. And now when the even was come because it was the preparation that is the day before the sabbath Neh. 13. 19. And it came to passe that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and in keeping it better to keep all the rest of the Commandments q Psal 92.
Title A Psalm or song for the sabbath day Compared with vers 13 14. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God V. 14. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing Ezek. 20. 12 -19 20. Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths to be a signe between me and them that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctifie them V. 19. I am the Lord your God walk in my statutes and keep my judgements and do them V. 20. And hallow my sabbaths and they shall be a sign between me and you that ye may know that I am the Lord your God and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgement of Religion r Gen. 2. 2 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made V. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made Psal 118. 22 -24 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner V. 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Compared with Act. 4 10 11. Be it known unto you all and unto all the people of Israel that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified whom God raised from the dead even by him doth this man stand here before you whole V. 11. This is the stone which was set at nought by you builders which is become the head of the corner Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lords day and heard behind me a voice as of a Trumpet and partly because we are very ready to forget it Å¿ Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my Law and profaned my holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane the unclean and the clean and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them for that there is less light of nature for it t Neh. 9. 14. And madest known unto them the holy Sabbath and commandedst them precepts and statutes and laws by the hand of Moses thy servant and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful u Exod. 34. 21. Six dayes shalt thou work but on the seventh day thou shalt rest in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest that it cometh but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it * Deut. 5. 14 15. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord c. V. 15. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the new moon be gone that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit and that Satan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety x Lam. 1. 7. Jerusalem remembred in the dayes of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the dayes of old when her people fell into the hand of the enemy and none did help her the adversaries saw her and did mock at her sabbaths Jer. 17. 21. 22 23. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem V. 22. Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day nor do ye any work but hallow ye the Sabbath day as I commanded your fathers V. 23. But they obeyed not neither inclined their ear but made their neck stiff that they might not hear nor receive instruction Neh. 13. from v. 15. to v. 23. In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath day c. Q. What is the sum of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man A. The summe of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves y Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self and to do to others what we would have them do to us z Mat. 7. 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you do ye even to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Q. Which is the fift Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy father and thy mother that thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee a Exod. 20. 12. Q. Who are meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment A. By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment are meant not onely natural parents b Pro. 23. 22 -25 Hearken to thy father that begat thee and despise not thy mother when she is old V. 25. Thy father and mother shall be glad and she that bare thee shall rejoyce Eph. 6. 1 2. Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right V. 2. Honour thy father and thy mother which is the first Commandment with promise but all superiours in age c 1 Tim. 5. 1 2. Rebuke not an Elder but entreat him as a father and the yonger men as brethren V. 2. The elder women as mothers the younger as sisters with all purity and gifts d Gen. 4. 20. 21 22. And Adah bare Jubal he was the Father of such as dwell in Tents and of such as have cattel V. 21. And his brothers name was Juba he was the father of all such as handle the Harp and Organ V. 22. And Zillah she also bare Tubal Cain an instructer of every Artificer in Brasse and Iron c Gen. 45. 8. So now it was not you that sent me hither but God he hath made me a father to Pharaoh and Lord of all his house and Ruler throughout all the land of Egypt and especially such as by GODS ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family e 2 Kin. 5. 13. And his servants came neer and spake unto him My father if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing c. Church f 2 Kin. 2. 12. And Elisha saw it and he cryed My father my father the Chariot of Israel and the horsmen thereof 2 Kin. 13. 14. Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he dyed and Joash the
Come with us let us lay wait for blood let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause V. 15. My son walk not thou in the way with them refrain thy foot from their path V. 16. For their feet run to evil and make hast to shed blood and practises which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any h 1 Sam. 24. 12. The Lord judge between me and thee and the Lord avenge me of thee but mine hand shall not be upon thee 1 Sam. 26. 9 10 11. And David said to Abishai Destroy him not for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lords anointed and be guiltless V. 10. David said furthermore as the Lord liveth the Lord shall smite him or his day shall come to die or he shall descend into battle and perish V. 11. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lords anointed Gen. 37. 21. 22. And Reuben heard it and he delivered him out of their hands and said Let us not kill him V. 22. And Reuben said to them Shed no blood but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness and lay no hands upon him that he might rid him out of their hands to deliver him to his father again by just defence thereof against violence i Psal 82. 4. Deliver the poor and needy nid them out of the hand of the wicked Pro. 24. 11 12. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain V. 12. If thou saist Behold we knew it not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it and he that keepeth thy soul doth not he know it and shall not he render to every man according to his works 1 Sam. 14. 45. And the people said unto Saul Shall Jonathan die who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel God forbid As the Lord liveth there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground for he hath wrought with God this day So the people rescued Jonathan that he died not patient bearing of the hand of God k Jam. 5. 7 8 9 10 11. Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience c. V. 8. Be ye also patient stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord drawes nigh V. 9. Grudg not one against another brethren lest ye be condemned behold the Judge standeth before the door V. 10. Take my brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience V. 11. Behold we count them happy that endure Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord c. Hâ—b 12. 9. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the father of Spirits and live quietnesse of mind l 1 Thes 4. 11. And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own businesse c. 1 Pet. 3. 4. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning c. V. 4. But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price Psal 37. 8 9 10 11. Cease from anger and forsake wrath fret not thy self in any wise to do evil V. 9. For evil doers shall be cut off but they that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth V. 10. For yet a little while and the wicked shall not be yea thou shalt diligently consider his place and it shall not be V. 11. But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in abundance of peace chearfulnesse of spirit m Pro. 17. 22. A merry heart doth good like a medicine but a broken spirit dryeth the bones a sober use of meat n Prov. 25. 16-27 Hast thou found honey cat so much as is sufficient for thee least thou be filled therewith and vomit it V. 27. It is not good to eat much honey c. drink o 1 Tim. 5. 23. Drink no longer water but drink a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities physick p Isa 38. 21. For Isaiah had said Let him take a lump of figs and lay it for a plaister upon the boil and he shall recover sleep q Psal 127. 2. It is in vain for you to rise up early to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrows for so he giveth his beloved sleep labour r Eccles 5. 12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet whether he eat little or much but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep 2 Thes 3. 10-12 For even when we were with you this we commanded you That if any would not work neither should he eat V. 12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread Prov 16. 26. He that laboureth laboureth for himself for his mouth craveth it of him and recreations Å¿ Eccl. 3. 4 -11 A time to weep and a time to laugh a time to mourn and a time to dance V. 11. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time also he hath set the world in their heart c. by charitable thoughts t 1 Sam. 19. 4. 5. And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father and said unto him Let not the King sin against his servant against David because he hath not sinned against thee and because his works have been to thee-ward very good V. 5. For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel thou sawest it and didst rejoyce wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood to slay David without a cause 1 Sam. 22. 13 14. And Saul said unto him Why have ye conspired against me thou and the son of Jesse in that thou hast given him bread and a sword c. V. 14. And Ahimilech answered the King and said And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David which is the Kings son in-law and goes at thy bidding and is honourable in thine house love u Rom 13. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law compassion * Luk. 10. 33 34 35. But a certain Samaritan as he journied came where he was and when he saw him he had compassion on him V. 34. And went to him and bound up his wounds powring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast and brought him to an Inn and took care of him c. meeknesse gentlenesse kindnesse x Col. 3. 12 13. Put on therefore as the Elect of God
4. Who have said with our tongues we will prevail our lips are our own who is Lord over us Ps 52. 1 2 3 4. Why boastest thou thy self in mischief O thou mighty man the goodness of God endureth continually v. 2. Thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp razor working deceitfully v. 3. Thou lovest evil more then good lying rather then to speak righteousness Selah v. 4. Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful tongue passing unjust sentence (g) Prov. 17. 15. He that justified the wicked and he that condemneth the just even they both are abomination unto the Lord. 1 King 21. from ver 9. to the 14. And Jezebel wrote in the letter saying Proclaim a fast and set Naboth on high and set two men sons of Belial before him to bear witness against him saying Thou didst blaspheme God and the King and then carry him out stone him v. 11. And the men of the city even the Elders and the Nobles did so as Jezebel had sent unto them And they stoned him with stones that he died calling evil good good evil rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous and the righteous according to the work of the wicked (h) Isai 5. 23. Who justify the wicked for a reward take away the righteousness of the righteous from him forgery (i) Psal 119. 69. The proud have forged a lye against me but I will keep c. Luke 19. 8. And Zacheus stood and said unto the Lord Behold Lord the half my goods I give to the poor and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation I restore him four-fold Luke 16. 5 6 7. So he called every one of his Lords debtors unto him and said unto the first how much owest thou unto my Lord v. 6. And he said an hundred measures of oil And he said unto him Take thy bill and write fifty v. 7. Then said he to another c. concealing the truth undue silence in a just cause (k) Lev. 5. 1. And if a Soul sin and hear the voice of swearing and is a witness whether he hath seen or known of it if he do not utter it then he shall bear his iniquity Deut. 13. 8. Thou shalt not consent unto him nor hearken unto him nor shall thine eye pity him nor shalt thou spare nor shalt thou â—onceal him Act. 5. 3-8 9. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land v. 8. And Peter answered unto her tell me whether you sold the land for so much And she said yea for so much v. 9. Then Peter said unto her How is it that ye have agreed together to temp the Spirit of the Lord Behold the feet of c. 2 Tim. 4. 16. At my first answer no man stood with me but all men forsook me I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge holding our peace when iniquity calleth for either a reproof from our selves (l) 1 King 1. 6. And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying why hast thou done so Lev. 19. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy brother and not suffer sin upon him or complaint to others (m) Isai 59. 4. None called for justice nor any pleadeth for truth they trust in vanity and speaklyes they conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity speaking the truth unseasonably (n) Prov. 19. 11. A fool uttereth all his mind but a wise man keepeth it till afterwards or maliciously to a wrong end (o) 1 Sam. 12. 9 10. Then answered Doeg the Edomite who was set over the servants of Saul and said I saw the son of Jesse coming to Noh to Abimelech the son of Ahitub v. 10. And he enquired of the Lord for him and gave him victuals and the sword of Goliah the Philistim Compared with Psal 52. 1 2 3 4. A Psalm of David when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul c. v. 1. Why boastest thou thy self in mischief O mighty man the goodness of God c. and so on to v. 5. or perverting it to a wrong meaning (p) Psal 56 6. Every day they wrest my words all their thoughts are against me for evil Joh. 2. 19. Jesus answered and said unto them Destroy this Temple in three dayes I will raise it up Compared with Matt. 26. 60 61 At the last came two false witnesses v. 61 And said This follow said I am able to destroy the Temple of God and to build it in three dayes or in doubtful and equivocal expressions to the prejudice of truth or justice (q) Gen. 3. 5. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as Gods knowing good and evil Gen. 26. 7-9 And the men of the place asked him of his wife and he said She is my sister for he feared to say she is my wife lest c. speaking untruth (r) Isai 59. 13. In transgressing and lying against the Lord and departing away from our God speaking oppression and revolt conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falshood lying (Å¿) Lev. 19. 11. Ye shall not steal nor deal falsly nor lie one to another Col. 3. 9. Lie not one to another seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds slandering (t) Psal 50. 20. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother thou slanderest thine own mothers son backbiting (u) Psal 15. 3. He that backhiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbor nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour detracting (*) Jam. 4. 11. Speak not evil one of another Brethren he that speaketh evil of his brother and judgeth his brother speaketh evil of the law and judgeth rhe law but if thou judg the law thou art not a doer of the law but a judge Jer. 38. 4. Therefore the Princes said unto the King we beseech thee let this man be put to death for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in the city and of all the people in speaking such words unto them for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people but the hurt tale-bearing (x) Lev. 19. 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale bearer among thy people neither shalt thou stand against the good of thy neighbour I am the Lord. whispering (y) Rom. 1. 29 30. Bring filled with all unrighteousness fornication wickedness covetousness maliciousness full of envy murder debate deceit malignity whisperers v. 30. Back-biters haters of God c. scoffing (z) Gen. 21. 6. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian which she had born unto Abrabaâ— mocking Compared with Gal. 4. 29. But as then he that was born after
righteousness endureth for ever his horn shall be exalted for ever v. 10. The wicked shall see it and be grieved he shall gnash with his teeth and melt away the desire of the wicked shall perish Neh. 2. 10. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant the Ammonite heard of it it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel together with all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his (g) Rom. 7. 7 8. What shall we say then Is the Law sin God forbid Nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet v. 8. But sin taking occasion by the Commandment wrought in me all manner of concupiscence for without the law sin was dead Rom. 13. 9. For this Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness Thou shalt not covet and if there be any other Commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Deut. 5. 21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbours wife nor shalt thou covet thy neighbours house his field his man-servant or his maid-servant his ox or his ass or any thing that is thy neighbours Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No man is able either of himself (h) Jam. 3. 2. For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Joh. 15. 5. I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing Rom 8. 3. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemneth sin in the flesh or by any grace received in this life perfectly to keep the Commandements of God (i) Eccl. 7. 20. For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Joh. 1. 8-10 If we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us v. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a liar and his word is not in us Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other So that ye cannot do the things that ye would Rom. 7. 18 19. For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing For to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not v. 19. For the good that I would I do not but the evil that I would not that do I. but doth daily break them in thought (k) Gen. 6. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was onely evil continually Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord said in his heart I will curse the ground no more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth c. word and deed (l) Rom. 3. from ver 9. to ver 21. for we have before proved that both Jewes and Gentiles that they are under sin v. 10. As it is written There is none righteous no not one v. 11. There is none that under standeth there is none that seeketh after God v. 12. They are all gone out of the way they are altogether become unprofitable there is none that doth good no not one v. 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre c. v. 20. that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God Jam. 3. from ver 2. to ver 13. For in many things we offend all c. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law of God equally hainous in themselves and in the sight of God A. All transgressions of the Law of God are not equally hainous but some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God then others (m) Joh. 19. 11. Jesus answered Thou coulst have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin Ezek. 8. 6 -13.-15 But turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations v. 13. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do v. 15. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations then these 1 Joh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78. 17 -32.-56 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness v. 32. For all this they sinned still c. v. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God and kept not his testimonies Q. What are those aggravations which make some sins more hainous then others A. Sins receive their aggravations From the persons offending (n) Jer. 2. 8. The Priests said not Where is the Lord and they that handle the Law knew me not the Pastors also transgressed against me and the Prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit if they be of riper age (o) Job 32. 7 -9 I said Dayes should speak multitude of yeares should teach wisdom v. 9. Great men are not alwayes wise neither do the aged understand judgment Eccl. 4. 13. Better is a poor and a wise child then an old and foolish King who will no more be admonished greater experience or grace (p) 1 King 11. 4 -9 For it came to pass when Solomon was old that his wives turned away his heart after other gods c. v. 9. And the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared to him twice eminent for profession (q) 2 Sam. 12. 14. Howbeit because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the childe that is born unto thee shall surely dye 1 Cor. 5. 1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles that one should have his fathers wife gifts (r) Jam. 4. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin Luk. 12. 47 48. And that servant that knew his
mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath broken even it will I recompence upon his own head if done deliberately (f) Psal 36. 4. He deviseth mischief upon his bed he setteth himself in a way that is not good he abhorteth not evil wilfully (g) Jer. 6. 16. Thus saith the Lord stand ye in the wayes and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your soules But they said we will not walk therein presumptuously (h) Num. 15. 30. But the soul that doth ought presumptuously whether he be born in the land or a stranger the same provoketh the Lord and that soul shall be cut off from among his people Exod. 21. 14. But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour to slay him with guile thou shalt take him from mine Altar that he may dye impudently (i) Jer. 3. 3. Therefore the showers have been withholden and there hath been no latter rain and thou hast a whores forehead thou refusedst to be ashamed Prov. 7. 13. So she caught him and kissed him and with an impudent face said unto him c. boastingly (k) Psal 52. 1. Why boastest thou thy self in mischief O thou mighty man c. maliciously (l) 3 Joh. ver 10. Wherefore if I come I will remember his deeds which he doth prating against us with malicious words c. frequently (m) Num. 14. 22. Because all those men who have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness and have tempted me now these ten times and have not hearkned to my voice c. obstinately (n) Zach. 7. 11 12. But they refused to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their eares that they should not hear v. 12. Yea they made their hearts as an Adamant stone least they should hear the law and the word which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts with delight (o) Prov. 2. 14. Who rejoyce to do evil and delight in the frowardness of the wicked continuance (p) Isai 57. 17. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smore him I hid me and was wroth and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart or relapsing after repentance (q) Jer. 34. 8 9 10 11. This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the Lord after that the King Zedckiah had made a Covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to them v. 9. That every man should let his man servant and maid-servant being an Hebrew or Hebrewess go free that none should serve himself of them to wit of a Jew his brother v. 10. Now when all the Princes and people which had entred into the COVENANT heard it they obeyed and let them go v. 11. But afterwards they turned and caused the servants and hand-maids whom they had let go free to return and brought them into subjection for servants and for hand-maids 2 Pet. 2. 20 21 22. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ they are again entangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse with them then the beginning v. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness then after they have krown it to turn from the holy Commandment delivered unto them v. 22. But it is hapned unto them according to the true Proverb The dog is turned to his own vomit again and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire From circumstances of time (r) 2 King 5. 26. And he said unto Gehazi Went not my heart with thee when the man turned again from his Chariot to meet thee Is it a time to receive money and garments and olive-yards and vine-yards and sheep and oxen and men-servants and maid-servants and place (Å¿) Jer. 7. 10. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my Name and say We are delivered to do all these abominations Isa 26. 10. Let favour be shewen to the wicked yet will not he learn righteousness in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly and will not behold the Majesty of the Lord. if on the Lords-day (t,) Ezek. 23. 37 38 39. That they have committed adultery and blood is in their hands and with their idols have they committed c. v. 38. Moreover this they have done unto me They have defiled my Sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths v. 39. For when they had slain their children to their idols then they came the same day into my Sanctuary to profane it and lo thus have they done in the midst of my house or other times of divine worship (u) Isa 58. 3 4 5. Wherefore have we fasted say they and thou seest not wherefore have we afflicted our selves and thou takest no knowledg Behold in the day of your fast ye find pleasure and exact all your labours v. 4. Behold ye fast for strife and debate and to smite with the fists of wickedness ye shall not fast as ye do this day to make your voice to be heard on high v. 5. Is it such a fast that I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his Soul Is it to bow down the head as a bull-rush and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him Wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Num. 25. 6 7. And behold one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the fight of Moses and of all the congregation of the children of Israel who were weeping before the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation v. 7. And when Phineas the son of Eleazer the son of Aaron the Priest saw it he rose up from among the Congregation and took a Javelin in his hand or immediately before (*) 1 Cor. 11. 20 21. When ye come together therefore into one place this is not to eat the Lords Supper v. 21. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper and oâ—e is hungry and another is drunken or after these (x) Jer. 7. 8 9 10. Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit v. 9. Will ye steal murther and commit adultery and swear falsly and burn incense to Baal and walk after other gods whom ye know not v. 10. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my Name and say We are delivered to do all these abominations Prov. 7. 14 15. I have Peace-offerings with me this day I have paid my vows v. 15 Therefore come I forth to meet thee diligently to seek thy face and I have found thee Joh. 13. 27-30 And after the sop
Satan entred into him Then said Jesus unto him what thou dost do quickly v. 10. He then having received the sâ—p went immediately out c. or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages (y) Ezr. 9. 13 14. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great trespass seeing that thou our God hast punished us less then our iniquities deserve and given us such deliverance as this v. 14. Should we again break thy Commandments and join in affinity with the people of those abominations wouldst thou not be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us so that there should be no remnant nor escaping if in publick or in the presence of others who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled (z) 2 Sam. 16. 22. So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house and Absalom went in unto his fathers concubines in the fight of all Israel 1 Sam. 2. 22 23 24. Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle c. v. 23. And he said unto them why do ye do such things for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people v. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress Q. What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God A. Every sin even the least being against the soveraignty (a) Jam. 2. 10 11. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all v. 11. For he that said Do not commit adultery said also Do not kill Now c. goodness (b) Exod. 20. 1 2. God spake all these words saying v. 2. I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage and holiness of God (c) Hab. 1. 13. Thou art of purer eyes then to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous then he Lev. 10. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Lev 11. 44 45. For I am the Lord your God ye shall therefore sanctifie your selves and ye shall be holy for I am holy neither shall ye defile your selves with any manner of creeping thing c. v. 45. For I am the Lord which bringeth you up from the land of Egypt to be your God ye shall therefore be holy for I am holy and against his righteous law (d) 1 Joh. 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Rom 7. 12. Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment is holy just and good deserveth his wrath and curse (e) Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them both in this life (f) Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth aliving man complain a man for the punishment of his sin Deut. 28. from v. 15. to the end But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his commandments and statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee v. 29. Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed in the Field cursed in the basket and store c. and that which is to come (g) Mat. 25. 41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ (h) Heb. 9. 22. And almost all the things are by the law purged with blood and without shedding of blood there is no remission 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers v. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. VVhat doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law he requireth of us repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (i) Act. 20. 21. Testifying both to the Iews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ Matt. 3. 7 8. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his Baptism he said unto them O generation of vipers who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come v. 8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance Act 16. 30 31. And he the Jaylor brought them out and said Sirs what shall I do to be saved v. 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Ioh. 3. 16-18 For God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son thâ—t whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life v. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because c. and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation (k) Prov. 2. from v. 1. to v. 6 My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my Commandments with thee v. 2. So that thou encline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thy heart to understanding v. 3. Yea if thou criest after knowledg and lifâ—est up thy voice for understanding v. 4. If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hide treasure v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God Prov. 8. 33 34 35 36. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not v. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors v. 35. For whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. v. 36. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own Soul all they that hate me love death Q. VVhat are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his Church the benefits of his mediation
11. And he received the sign of Circumcision a Seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised that he might be the father of all them that believe though they be not circumcised that righteousness might be imputed unto them also 1 Cor. 11. 24 25. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me v. 25. After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me unto those that are within the Covenant of grace (*) Rom. 15. 8. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the Circumcision for the truth of God to confirm the promises made unto the fathers Exod. 12. 48. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee and will keep the Passover to the Lord let all his males he circumcised and then let him come neer and keep it and he shall be as one that is born in the land for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof the benefits of his meditation (x) Act. 2. 38. Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 10. 16. The Cup of blessing which we bless is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ The bread which we break is it not the Communion of the body of Christ to strengthen and increase their faith and all other graces (y) Rom. 4. 11. See in u above Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ to oblige them to obedience (z) Rom. 6. 3 4. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death v. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father even so we also should walk in newness of life 1 Cor. 10. 21. Ye cannot drink of the Cup of the Lord and the cup of Divels ye cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the table of Divels to testifie and cherish their love and communion one with another (a) Eph. 4. 2 3 4 5. With all lowlinesse and meeknesse with long-suffering forbearing one another in love v. 3. endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace v. 4. There is one body and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling v. 5. One Lord one Faith one Baptism 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jewes or Gentiles bond or free and have been all made to drink into one spiriâ— and to distinguish them from those that are without (b.) Eph. 2. 11. 12. Wherefore remember that ye being in time passed Gentiles in the flesh who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands v. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world Gen. 34. 14. And they said unto them We cannot do this thing to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised for that were a reproach to us Q. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. The parts of a Sacrament are two the one an outward and sensible signe used according to Christs own appointment the other an inward and Spiritual grace thereby signified (c.) Mat. 3. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier then I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire 1 Pet. 3. 21. The like figure whereunto even Baptisme doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Iesus Christ Rom. 2. 28 29. For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh v. 29. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart in the Spirit and not in the letter whose praise is not of men but of God Q How many Sacraments hath Christ instituted in his Church under the New Testament A. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his Church onely two Sacraments Baptisme and the Lords Supper (d.) Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 11. 20 -23 When ye come together therefore into one place this is not to eat the Lords Supper ver 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Iesus the same night wherein he was betrayed took bread c. Mat. 26. 26 27 28. And as they were eating Iesus took bread and c. See above in t Q. What is Baptisme A. Baptisme is a Sacrament of the New Testament wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (e) Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost to be a signe and seal of ingrafting into himself (f) Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ of remission of sins by his blood (g) Mark 1. 4. John did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptisme of repentance for the remission of sins Rev. 1. 5. Unto him that loved us and wished us from our sins in his own blood and regeneration by his Spirit (h) Tit. 3. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Eph. 5. 26. That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word of Adoption (i) Gal. 3. 26 27. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus v. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ and resurrection unto everlasting life (k) 1 Cor. 15. 29. Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all why are they then baptized for the dead Rom. 6. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted
them also 1 Cor. 11. 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. Q. May any who profess the faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper be kept from it A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous notwithstanding their profession of the Faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper may and ought to be kept from that Sacrament by the power which Christ hath left in his Church (i) 1 Cor. 11. 27 to the end Wherefore whosoever shall eat this Bread and drink this Cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. V. 28. But let a man examine himself and so c. V. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body V. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep V. 31. For if we would judg our selves we should not be judged c. Compared with Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast you your pearls before swine least they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you And with 1 Cor. 5. to the end And with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted with the flesh And with 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partakers of other mans sins Keep thy self pure until they receive instruction and manifest their reformation (k) 2 Cor. 2. 7. So that contrariwise ye ought to forgive him and comfort him least perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow Q. What is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in the time of the administration of it A. It is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper that during the time of the administration of it with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that Ordinance (l) Lev. 10. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is that which the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Heb. 12. 28. Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom that cannot be moved let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear Psal 5. 7. But as for me I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercies and in thy fear will I worship towards thy holy Temple 1 Cor. 11. 17-26 27. Now iâ— this that I declare unto you I praise you not that ye come together not for the better but for the worse V. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come V. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. diligently observe the sacramental Elements and actions (m) Exod. 24. 8. And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said Behold the blood of the Covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words Compared with Mat. 26. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins heedfully discern the Lords body (n) 1 Cor. 11. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himselâ— not discerning the Lords body and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings (o) Luk. 22. 19. This do in remembrance of me and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces (p) 1 Cor. 11. 26. For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 10. 3 4 5-11-14 And did all eat the same Spiritual meat V. 4. And did all drink the same Spiritual drink for they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ V. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown in the wildernesse V. 11. Now all these things hapned unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come V. 14 Wherefore my dearly beloved flee from idolatry in judging themselves (q) 1 Cor. 11. 31 i. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged and sorrowing for sin (r) Zeâ—h 12. 10. And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and be in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first-born in earnest hungring and thirsting after Christ (Å¿) Rev. 22. 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say Come And let him that heareth say Come And let him that is athirst come And whosoever will let him take the waters of life freely feeding on him by faith (t) Joâ— 6 35. And Jesus said unto them I am the bread of life He that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst receiving of his fulness (u) Joh. 1. 16. And of his fulness have we all received and grace for grace trusting in his merits (*) Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith rejoycing in his love x giving thanks for his grace (y) Psal 22. 26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied they shall praise the Lord that seek him your heart shall live for ever in renewing of their covenant with God (z) Ier. 50. 5. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward saying come and let us joyn our selves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten Psal 55. Gather my Saints together unto me those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice love to all the Saints (a) Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and in prayers * Psal 63. 4 5. Thus will I bless thee while I live I will lift up mine hands in thy name v. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips 2 Cor. 30. 21. And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven dayes with great gladness and the Levites and the Priests praised the Lord day by day singing with loud instruments to the Lord Q. What is the duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper
pray that God would by his Spirit take away from our selves and others all blindness (t) Eph. 1. 17 18. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him v. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints weakness (u) Eph. 3. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthned with might by the Spirit in the inner man indisposedness (*) Mat. 26. 40 41. And he cometh to the Disciples and findeth them asleep and saith unto Peter What could ye not watch with me one hour v. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak and perverseness of heart (x) Jer. 31. 18 19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke Turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God v. 19. Surely after that I was turned I repented and after that I was instructed I smote upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth and by his grace make us able and willing to know do and submit to his will in all things (y) Psal 119. 1 -8-35 36. Blessed are the undefiled in the way who walk in the law of the Lord. v. 8. I will keep thy statutes O forsake me not utterly v. 35. Make me to go in the paths of thy commandments for therein do I delight v. 36. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Act. 21. 14. And when he would not be perswaded we ceased saying The will of the Lord be done with the like humility (z) Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God cheerfulness (a) Psal 100. 2. Serve the Lord with gladness come before his presence with singing Job 1. 21. And Job said Naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. 2 Sam. 15. 25 26. And the King said unto Zadok Carry back the Ark of God into the City if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation v. 26. But if he say thus I have no delight in thee behold here I am let him do to me as seemeth him good faithfulness (b) Isa 38. 3. And said Remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight and Hezekiah wept sore diligence (c) Psal 119. 4 5. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently v. 5. O that my wayes were directed to keep thy statutes zeal (d) Rom. 12. 11. Not slothful in business fervent in Spirit serving the Lord. sincerity (e) Psa 119. 80. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes that I be not ashamed and constancy (f) Psal 119. 112. I have enclined my heart to perform thy statutes alwayes even to the end as the Angels do in heaven (g) Isa 6. 2 3. Above it stood the Seraphims each one had six wings with twain he covered his face with twain he covered his feet and with twain he did fly v. 3. And one cried unto another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Psal 103. 20 21. Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength and do his commandments hearkning unto the voice of his word v. 21. Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Mat. 18. 10. Take heed ye despise not one of these little ones for I say unto you in heaven there Angels do alwayes behold the face of my Father which is in heaven Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily bread (h) Mat. 6. 11. acknowledging that in Adam and by our sin we have forfeited our right to all the outward blessings of this life and deserve to be wholy deprived of them by God and to have them cursed to us in the use of them (i) Gen. 2. 17. But of the Tree of knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye Gen. 3. 17. And unto Adam he said because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the Tree of the which I commanded thee saying thou shalt not eat of it cursed is the ground for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the dayes of thy life Rom. 8. 20 21 22. For the Creature was made subject to vanity not willingly but by reason of him who have subjected the same in hope V. 12. Because the Creature of it self also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God V. 22 For we know that the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together until now Jer. 5. 25. Your iniquities have turned away these things and your sins have withholden good things from you Deut 28. from ver 15. to the end But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his Commandments and statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee V. 16. Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed in the field and cursed in thy basket and in thy store c. To the end of the chap. and that neither they of themselves are able to sustain us (k) Deut. 8. 3. And he humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger and fed thee with Mannâ— which thou knewest not neither did my fathers know that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live nor we to merit (l) Gen. 32. 10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewed to thy servant c. or by our own industry to procure them (m) Deut. 8. 17 9. And thou say in thine heart My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth V. 18. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is be that giveth thee power to
Get thee hence Satan for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying (k) Psal 14. 1. The fool hath said in his heart there is no God they are corrupt they have done abominable works there is none that doth good or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God (l) Rom. 1. 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned and our God (m) Psal 81. 10. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt open thy mouth wide and I will fill it v. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone (n) Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creatures more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen v. 26. For this cause God gave them up vnto vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature Q. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God (o) Ezek. 8. 5. to theend Psal 44. 20 21. But if we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God v. 21. Shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy selfe to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments (p) Exod 20 4 5 6. Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his word (q) Deut. 32. 46. And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the words which I testifie among you this day which ye shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the world Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images (r) Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. v. 15. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire v. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female v. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air v. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth v. 19. And least thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou feest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. v. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt or any other way not appointed in his word (Å¿) Deut. 12. 31 32. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods v. 32. What thing soever I command you observe to do it thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods soveraignty over us (t) Psal 95. 2 3 6 Let us come before his prefence with thanksgiving and make a joiful noise unto him with Psalms v. 3. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all Gods v. 6. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker his property in us (u) Psal 45. 11. So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him and his zeal he hath to his own worship (*) Exod. 34. 13 14. But ye shall destroy their altars break their images and cut down their groves V. 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is Jealous is a jealous God Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (x) Exod. 20. 7. Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of Gods Name (y) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name Deut. 28. 58. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful name THE LORD THY GOD. Title (z) Psal 68. 4. Sing unto God sing praises to his name extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH and rejoycâ— before him Attributes (a) Rev. 15. 3 4. And they sing the Song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying great and marvellous are thy words Lord God Almighty just and true are thy wayes thou King
earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord smelled a sweet favour and the Lord said in his heart I will not again curse the ground any more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his 〈◊〉 neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done Rom. 3. 9. What then are we better then they no in no wise for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin and so on to verse 21. Jam. 3. 2. For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body and so on to verse 13. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God then others (a) Ezek. 8. 6. He said furthermore unto me Son of man seest thou what they do even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here that I should go far off from my sanctuary but turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations V. 13. He said also unto me turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do V. 15. Then said he unto me hast thou seen this Oh son of man turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations then these 1 Joh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death there is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78. 17. 32 56 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness V. 32. For all this they sinned still and believed not for his wonderous works V. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most High God and kept not his testimonies Q. What doth every sin deserve A. Every sin deserveth Gods wrath and curse both in this life and that which is to come (b) Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience Gal 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is writtted Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Mat. 25. 41. Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Q. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ repentance unto life (c) Acts 20. 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption (d) Prov. 2. 1 -5 v. 1. My son if thou wilt receive my words and bide my commandments with thee c. v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God Chap. 8. 33 34 35 v. 33. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not v. 34. Blessed is the man that heaveth me waiting daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors v 35 but who so findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Isai 55. 3. Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shalllive and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace (e) Heb. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the soul whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the Gospel (f) Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Isa 26. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee V. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Iesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Q. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace (g) Act. 11. 18. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life whereby a sinner out of true sense of his sin (h) Acts 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren what shall we do V. 38. Then said Peter unto them repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ (i) Ioel 2. 12. Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning Ier. 3. 22. Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backslidings behold we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God (k) Ier. 31. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God V. 19. Surely after that I was turned I repented and after that I was instructed I smâ—te upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth Ezek. 36. 31. Than shall ye remember your own evil ways and your doings which were not good and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for you abominations with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience
fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (l) Mat 6. 12. we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pard on all our sins (m) Psal 51. 1 2 -7 9. Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions v. 2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin v. 7 Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me 〈◊〉 I shall be whiter then snow v. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities Dan. 9. 17 18 19. Now therefore our God hear thou the prayer of thy servant and his supplication v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive for thine own sake which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others (n) Luk. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (o) Mat. 6. 13. we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin (p) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak or support and deliver us when we are tempted (q) 2 Cor. 12. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen (r) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely (Å¿) Dan. 9. 4-7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousuess belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces as at this day to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and unto all Israel that are neer and that are far off thorow all the countreys whither thou hast driven them because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy righteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem thy holy mountain because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and hear open thine eyes and behold our desolation and the City that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy City and thy people are called by thy Name and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him (t) 1 Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and David said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honours come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious name And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen (u) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that ocupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22. 20 21. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lâ—rd Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN The Ten COMMANDMENTS EXODUS XX. GOD spake all these words saying I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments III Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six dayes shalt thou labor and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six dayes the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it V. Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbors FINIS The LORDS PRAYER Matth. 6. OVr Father which art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen The CREED I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth And in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord which was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into hell * i. e. Continued in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the third day the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen SO much of every Question both in the Larger and Shorter Catechism is repeated in the Answer as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition or sentence in it self to the end the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions for his encrease in knowledge and piety even out of the course of catechising as well as in it And albeit the substance of the doctrine comprised in that Abridgement commonly called The Apostles Creed be fully set forth in each of the Catechismes so as there is no necessity of inserting the Creed it self yet it is here annexed not as though it were composed by the Apostles or ought to be esteemed Canonical Scripture as the Ten Commandments and the Lords Prayer much less a Prayer as ignorant people have been apt to make both it and the Decalogue but because it is a brief sum of the Christian faith agreeable to the Word of God and anciently received in the Churches of Christ Cornelius Burges Prolocutor pro tempore Henry Roborough Scriba Adoniram Byfield Scriba To the Right Honorable THE LORDS COMMONS Assembled in Parliament The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning CHURCH-GOVERNMENT The Preface JEsus Christ upon whose shoulders the Government is whose name is called Wonderful Counsellour the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shall be no end who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdome to order it and to establish it with Judgment and Justice from henceforth even for ever having all power given unto him in Heaven and Earth by the Father who raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand far above all Principalities and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come and put all thing under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all He being ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things received gifts for his Church and gave offices necessary for the edification of his Church and perfecting of his Saints Mat. 28. 18 19 20. v. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. v. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places v. 21. Far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come v. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church v. 23. Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all compared with Eph. 4. 8 11. v. 8. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers And with Psal 68. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them Of the Church THere is one General Church visible held forth in the New Testament 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 28. For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ v. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit v. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Together with the rest of the Chapter The Ministry Oâ—acles and Ordinances of the New Testament are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life until his second coming 1 Cor. 12. 28. See before Eph. 4. 4 5. v. 4. There is one body and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling v. 5. One Lord one Faith one Baptism Compared with ver 10. 11 12 13 15 16. v. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers v. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ v. 15. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ v. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Particular visible Churches Members of the General Church are also held forth in the New Testament Gal 1. 21 12. v. 21. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia v. 22. And was unknown by face unto the Churches of Judea which were in
of God as was Aaron Ordination is alwayes to be continued in the Church Tit. 15. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every City as I had appointed thee 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. v. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality v. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publick Church-office Numb 8 10 11 14 19 22. v. 10. And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites v. 11. And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel that they may execute the service of the Lord. v. 14. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel and the Levites shall be mine v. 19. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tabernacle of the Congregation and to make an atonement for the children of Israel that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come nigh unto the Sanctuary v. 22. And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation before Aaron and before his sons as the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites so did they unto them Acts 6. 3 5 6 v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they those Stephen a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Permenas and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch v. 6. Whom they had set before the Apostles and when they had prayed they laid their hands on them Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with fasting by those preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Acts 14. 23. And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church and had prayed with fasting they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed Acts 13. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them they sent them away It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Ministers be designed to some particular Church or other ministerial charge Acts 14. 23. See before Tit. 1. 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee Acts 20 17 28. v. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you over-seers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the Rules of the Apostles 1 Tim. â—3 2 3 4 5 6. v. 2. A Bishop hen must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach v. 3. Not given to wine no striker not greedy of filthy lucre but patient not a brawler not covetons v. 4. One that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity v. 5. For if a man know not how to rule his own house how shall he take care of the Church of God v. 6. Not a novice lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devil Tit. 1. 6 7 8 9. v. 6. If any man be blameless the husband of one wife having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly v 7. For a Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God not self-willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre v. 8. But a lover of hospitality a lover of good men sober just holy temperate v. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers He is to be examined and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3. 7 10. v. 7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without lâ—st he fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil v. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach Tit. 1. 7. For the Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God c. Touching the Power of Ordination ORdination is the Act of a Presbytery 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery It is very requisite that no single Congregation that can conveniently associate do assume to it self all and sole power in Ordination 1. Because there is no Example in Scripture that any single Congregation which might conveniently associate did assume to it self all and sole power Ordination neither is there any rule which may warrant such a practise 2. Because there is in Scripture Example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations as in the Church of Jerusalem where were many Congregations these many Congregations were under one Presbytery and this Presbytery did ordain The Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain for those Congregations within their bounds respectively To the Right Honourable THE LORDS
Christ is their partaking of the virtue of his Mediation in their Justification t Rom. 8. 30. Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Adoption u Eph. 1. 5. Having predestinated us to the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will Sanctification and whatever else in this life manifests their Union with him * 1 Cor. 1. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Q. What is Justification A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace unto sinners * Rom. 3. 22 -24 25. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe for there is no difference V. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jâ—sus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his saith is accounted for righteousness in which he pardoneth all their sins accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight y 2 Cor. 5. 19-21 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation V. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Rom. 3. 22-24 25-27 28. Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe for there is no difference V. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God V. 27. Where is boasting then it is excluded By what law Of works Nay but by the law of faith V. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law not for any thing wrought in them or done by them z Tit. 3. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace but onely for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ by God imputed to them a Rom. 5. 17 18 19. Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are past away behold all things are become new V. 18. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministery of reconciliation V. 19. To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Rom. 4. 6 7 8. Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works V. 7. Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered V. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin and received by Faith alone b Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Phil. 3. 9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. How is Justification an Act of Gods free Grace A. Although Christ by his Obedience and Death did make a proper reall and full satisfaction to Gods Justice in the behalf of them that are justified c Rom. 5. 8 9 10-19 But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us V. 9. Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him V. 10. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled shall we be saved by his life V. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a Surety which he might have demanded of them did provide this Surety his own onely Son d 1 Tim. 2. 5 6. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time Heb. 10. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all Mat. 20. 28. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Dan. 9. 24-26 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy City to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins and to make reconciliation for iniquity and to bring in everlasting righteousness and to seal up the vision and prophesie and to anoint the most Holy V. 26. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself and the people of the Prince that shall come shall destroy the City and the Sanctuary and the end thereof shall be with a flood c. Esa 53. 4 5 6-10 11 12. Surely he hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows yet we did esteem him stricken smitten of God and afflicted V. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed V. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all Ver. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands V. 11. He shall see of the travel
of his soul and be satisfied by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities V. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 7. 22. By so much was Jesus made a Surety of a better Testament Rom. 8. 32. He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers V. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot imputing his righteousness to them e 2 Cor. 5. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him and requiring nothing of them for their Justification but Faith f Rom. 3. 24 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God which also is his gift g Eph. 2. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God their Justification is to them of free grace h Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. What is justifying Faith A. Justifying Faith is a saving Grace i Heb. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back to perdition but of them who believe to the saving of the soul wrought in the heart of a Sinner by the Spirit k 2 Cor. 4. 13. We having the same Spirit of faith according as it is written I believed and therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak Eph. 1. 17 18 19. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him V. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power and word of God l Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved Act. 16. 30. And brought them out and said Sirs What must we do to be saved Joh. 16. 8 9. And when he is come he will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgement Of sin because they believe not in me Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Eph. 2. 1. And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins Act. 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved not onely assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel n Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth for pardon of sin o Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Act. 16. 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the fight of God for salvation p Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Act. 15. 11. But we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they Q. How doth Faith justifie a Sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of those other graces which do alwayes accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it q Gal. 3. 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident for the just shall live by faith Rom. 3. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification r Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Compared with Rom. 10. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation but onely as it is an Instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness Å¿ Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Q. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God t 1 Joh. 3. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons